The Doña Ana Arts Council is mixing things up for the 2015-2016 Performance Series at the Rio Grande Theatre, with twice the entertainment choices and two very different ways for patrons to become season subscribers. It all starts this Saturday October 3rd when Borderland artists EUTERPE kicks off the New Mexico Heritage Series, presented in cooperation with Heritage Hotels Resorts and followed by Feliz Navidad! Christmas In Song And Dance in December, Native American flutist Robert Mirabal in January, Las Cruces native Josh Grider in February and local luminary Irene Oliver-Lewis’ “Dichos de mi Madre” in April. Then, later in October, The Variety Series kicks off with national and international touring acts, including Imago Theatre’s ZooZoo, comedian juggler Mark Nizer in January, Folk music legend Judy Collins in February and foot-stomping Canadian fiddlers Barrage 8 and the magical Cirque ZumaZuma in April.
Continuing their mission to inspire Las Cruces audiences with a wide range of professional performing arts while showcasing the historic Rio Grande Theatre and downtown Main Street, the Doña Ana Arts Council is introducing two ticketing choices for subscribers. For those interested in attending shows in the New Mexico Heritage Series, four shows can be reserved for the low price of $60. The Variety Series pass includes four shows PLUS one from the New Mexico Heritage Series for $125. These passes can only be purchased by calling or visiting the Rio Grande Theatre box office. Season tickets for both series are currently on sale through October 15, 2015. Individual tickets will go on sale October 16, 2015 for all shows in both series, except Euterpe, which are on sale now.
The New Mexico Heritage Series line-up:
The New Mexico Heritage Series reflects the interwoven influences of Native American, Hispanic and Western music of our Southern New Mexico culture. On Saturday, October 3, one of the most exciting acts to emerge from the Borderlands, Euterpe, will bring Viva El Flamenco!, a classical brand of musical fusion, back to Las Cruces with set list comprised of a wide range of genres, including Classical, Flamenco, Jazz, Contemporary, Baroque and Middle Eastern stylings. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13, Feliz Navidad! Christmas In Song And Dance brings the cultural merriment of the season to the stage with Mariachis, Folklorico dancers and more, from the new producing organization, Bella Artes. Doors open on Saturday, December 12 at 6:00 p.m.; show starts at 6:30 p.m. Doors open on Sunday, December 13 at 1:30 p.m.; show starts at 2 p.m.
On Saturday, January 16, 2016, two-time Grammy Award-winner and Native American flute player Robert Mirabal will bring his unique brand of world music to the Rio Grande Theatre, merging indigenous American sounds with those of Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, tapping into a planetary pulse with a style that defies categorization. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, February 13, 2016, hometown boy and AMP recording artist Josh Grider will spend an intimate evening sharing songs and stories from his chart-topping 10-year career as a band leader and songwriter in the trenches of the Red Dirt Music Scene in Texas. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, April 16, 2016, Las Cruces native Irene Oliver-Lewis will present “Dichos de me Madre” (Sayings From My Mother), offering a unique glimpse into what life was like growing up in the small town nestled between the Rio Grande and the Organ Mountains. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 p.m.
The Variety Series line-up:
On Sunday, October 25, internationally acclaimed Imago Theatre will present its latest family-friendly performance ZooZoo, which combines mime, music and special effects to highlight short works that play on the anthropomorphic realization of animals and inanimate objects. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; show starts at 6 p.m.
On Friday, January 29, 2016, world-renowned entertainer Mark Nizer brings his unique brand of original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music and 3-D technology to Las Cruces, touting the philosophy “the impossible is possible, the improbable is probable.” Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 p.m.
On Sunday, February 21, 2016, multiple Grammy Award-winner Judy Collins, one of the leading entertainers of the 1960s and 1970s and whose voice is still amazing, will share five decades of music, including such hits as “Both Sides Now,” “Send In The Clowns” and “Amazing Grace.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; show starts at 6 p.m.
On Sunday, April 3, 2016, innovative Canadian performance trio Barrage 8 will introduce their re-imagining of the string octet – 4 violins, 2 violas, cello and double bass – to present a rich and powerful sonic palette exploring musical diversity that is famous worldwide. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; show starts at 6 p.m.
On Friday, April 22, 2016, the ultimate African circus Cirque ZumaZuma makes its triumphant return to Las Cruces for yet another astonishing evening of physicality and mysticism that will have audiences poised at the edge of their seats. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 p.m.
The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Main Street, in Las Cruces. Please note that individual ticket prices vary per show. Purchasing individual tickets in advance will help avoid day-of-show price increases. Tickets may be purchased in person at the box office (9-5 M-F) on the 2nd floor of the Rio Grande Theatre, or by calling (575) 523-6403 or online at www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.